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>> A blaze breaking out on a packed passenger ferry off the coast of Puerto Rico Wednesday morning. These early images showing smoke billowing from the Caribbean Fantasy. Run by America Cruise Ferries roughly a mile offshore from San Juan. Reports of people in the water after abandoning ship. The Coast Guard whisking others to safety, telling ABC News the fire started in the engine room.

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More than 500 passengers and crew members were on board. This Facebook Live footage showing rescue efforts by the Puerto Rican Firefighters Corp, on site images also flowing in on Twitter. The ship makes daily trips between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic according to its website, and has a casino, night club and area to transport cars.